Every time she delivered a speech to high school students or sat on a panel for a discussion about interior design, African American designer and blog editor Kimberly Ward of Pink Eggshell knew she represented the minority.
"When I am featured in magazines and other media outlets, the question that repeatedly arises is, who are the top African American designers?" said Ward.
The question prompted her to compile a list. she took suggestions from other designers, design center staff from around the country, local realtors and home builders.
Kimbery Ward
She submitted the semi-final list to colleagues for scrutiny and came out with the following:
Atlanta: Janice Palmer, Ydesign International and Michel Boyd, Smith Boyd Interiors
Chicago: Erin Shakoor, Shakoor Interiors; Afiya H. Kumar, AHA Designs; and Keitha Brathwaite, Contrast Design
Columbia, SC: Joan Goodwin, Vernandah Interiors
Houston: Kimberly Ward, Kimberly +Cameron
Los Angeles: Lisa Turner, Interior Obsessions and Ron Woodson, Wodson and Rum
Miami: Venus Williams, Vstarr Interiors and Cecil Hayes
New York: Joy Moyler; Marian Akinloye, MA Design Studio; Courtney Sloane; Kim Myles; Robin Wilson, Robin Wilson Home; Elaine Griffin; and Sheila Bridges
Tempe, AZ: Nyla Simone Home
Washington DC: Darryl Carter